Traditions for a Dojo New Year

The New Year in Japan is a time of renewal and celebration, just like in other countries. At our dojo, we enjoy special traditions for entering a dojo new year together. Our traditions come from Japanese culture and martial arts.

LAST CLASS BEFORE A DOJO NEW YEAR

One way that we celebrate a dojo new year is with two special classes. In the literal Last Class of the Year, we send out the old year with respect. We train together in a traditional way, with some added “bonus material.” And we each share our highlight of the old year.

LAST GREAT SOUJI FOR A DOJO NEW YEAR      

Students and instructors are encouraged to stay after our last class of the year. That is the time we have set aside for our Last Great Souji. Souji is the traditional cleaning of the dojo that students help with normally.

In Japan, it is a custom to sweep and clean your house on New Year’s. That gets out the old dust and the stagnant energy. So for the new year you have not only a clean place, but with new, good energy. We do a deep cleaning of the dojo to get ready for a dojo new year of training.

FIRST CLASS FOR A DOJO NEW YEAR            

There is always a short break for some of the holidays. Then we get back to training as soon as possible in a dojo new year. This starts with The First Class of the Year. In this class, we do some special training. And we share as we look forward to our goals.

REFRESHMENTS CELEBRATE A DOJO NEW YEAR

After the First Class of the Year, students are invited to stay and socialize. We have special Asian refreshments. This is always a relaxing, fun time. Students enjoy trying out a new treat to celebrate a dojo new year.

We enjoy ringing in the new year with our dojo family. As a team, we give regard to the past year of hard work and learning. We also plan for a new, exciting future. We enjoy our time together as we grow, plan and learn.

Jenifer Tull-Gauger